Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of California and former Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price of Georgia gave $10,000, $5,000 and $1,000 from their leadership PACs, respectively. McCarthy is also expected to host a July 17 fundraiser for DeMaio.

Republicans are hopeful that DeMaio can beat Peters, one of the most targeted House incumbents in 2014. In 2012, Peters defeated longtime Republican Rep. Brian P. Bilbray by less than 3 points in one of the closest House contests of the cycle.

The district has a slight Democratic lean; it voted for President Barack Obama with 52 percent in 2012.

The 52nd District is rated Lean Democrat by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.